Lavrentiev: Guarantor states of Astana process on Syria seek enhancing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations in Syria

Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev has stressed that the guarantor states of Astana process on Syria are seeking to enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations in Syria and minimize escalation in the country.

In an interview with TASS News Agency, Lavrentiev reiterated the need to continue the war on the remaining terrorist groups in Syria, given the fact that there are still many extremist and terrorist groups, particularly in Idlib.

 He pointed out that the current discussions aim at developing certain mechanisms that consolidate the effectiveness of combating terrorism and decrease escalation, clarifying that his country continue to have consultations with the United States regarding Syria despite the continuous tension in the US-Russian ties.

The Guarantor states of the Astana process in Syria (Russia, Iran and Turkey) have recently reaffirmed their strong commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to the UN Charter. They also stressed their keenness on joint work to fight all forms of terrorism and expressed rejection of any separatist agendas that aim at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian State.

Hamda Mustafa